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A screen in basketball is a fundamental skill and action that occurs when an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender. This creates space and separation for another offensive player to shoot, pass, or drive the ball to score. This is called setting a pick. Screens can be on-ball or off-ball. The two offensive players involved in setting the screen are known as the screener (who blocks the defender) and the cutter (who gets free from the defender). The screener must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender and allow them a reasonable opportunity to avoid the screen. If the screener moves to make contact and gain an advantage, it is an offensive foul. To set a basketball screen, a player will position their feet about shoulder-width apart with their back straightened and knees slightly bent. There are many types of screens, including the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A basketball screen is a fundamental skill and action that occurs when at least one offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender, primarily to create space and separation for another offensive player who could use the screen to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities. |
| Types | On-ball screens (for the ball handler) and off-ball screens (for an offensive player not in possession of the ball) are the two main types. Common on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, side screen, step-up screen, and drag screen. Common off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen. |
| Body Position | Players should position their feet about shoulder-width apart, with their back straightened and knees slightly bent. Their elbows should be kept within their own cylinder (vertical plane), and their hands can be placed across their chest or lap. |
| Illegal Screens | If the screener moves to make contact and gain an advantage, it is an offensive foul. If there is no illegal contact, it is not a foul. If the screener holds, leans, or moves into the defender to cause contact, it is a foul on the screener. |
| Calling a Screen | Teammates can alert the player of an upcoming screen by calling out "left!" or "right!". The screened player can also call out "pick" to stop play. The screener's defender may also communicate with the on-ball defender by calling out "drop", "ice", "switch", or "trap" to signal the proper defensive tactic. |
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What You'll Learn
The offensive player must remain stationary
For a screen to be considered legal, the offensive player must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender. This means that the offensive player must have their feet clearly planted on the floor before the defender makes contact with them. If the offensive player is still moving when contact is made, it is considered an illegal screen, resulting in an offensive foul.
It is important to note that the offensive player must also give the defender a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. This means that the offensive player must allow the defender enough time and distance to react and adjust to the contact. If the offensive player does not provide this opportunity, it is considered an illegal screen, even if the offensive player is stationary.
The offensive player must also be careful not to extend their arms, elbows, shoulders, hips, or legs to impede the defender's progress. Doing so will result in an illegal screen call, as it is considered obstructing the defender. Therefore, the offensive player must maintain a stationary position with their arms and legs within their own cylinder, also known as a vertical plane.
To set up a legal screen, the offensive player will position their feet about shoulder-width apart, with their back straightened and knees slightly bent to form a stable base. They will then place their hands across their chest or lap, ensuring their elbows remain within the vertical plane. This technique ensures that the offensive player remains stationary and provides a clear indication to the defender that a screen is being set.
By adhering to these rules, the offensive player can effectively utilize the screen to create space and separation for their teammates, facilitating scoring or playmaking opportunities without committing a foul.
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The defender must divert or push into the screener
When faced with a screen, the defender has a few options. They can slide by the pick if the screening player leaves enough space, fight over the screen if they are strong enough, or switch defensive assignments with another defender. The defender must also be given a reasonable opportunity to avoid the screen. If the screener does not allow this opportunity, it is considered an offensive foul.
The defender must be aware of the position and timing of the offensive players. The offensive player will first establish a position so that a teammate can move towards them. The teammate will then change pace and direction, cutting very close to the screening player. If the defender is covering the cutter, they will need to push into the screening player or divert around them, losing a few steps in the process.
To avoid an illegal screen, the defender must be given enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen by going over the top or under it. The time and distance required will depend on the speed of the defender. If the defender does not have enough time or space to avoid the screen, it is considered an illegal screen, and a foul will be called on the screener.
It is important to note that the defender should anticipate screens and slide around them to maintain their defensive position. If the defender can beat their opponent to the spot, they may cause the screener to alter their positioning, resulting in an illegal screen.
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Types of screens: on-ball and off-ball
A basketball screen is a fundamental skill used by offensive players to block or delay a defender, creating space and separation for another offensive player to shoot, pass, or drive the ball to score. Screens can be on-ball or off-ball. An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is set on a defender who is directly guarding the ball. Some common types of on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, the side screen, the step-up screen, and the drag screen. On-ball screens are typically used in pick and roll or pick and pop situations to create offensive scoring opportunities. In a pick and roll, the screener is open to roll to the basket and receive a pass after setting the screen. In a pick and pop, the ballhandler drives to the basket while the screener squares for a jump shot.
An off-ball screen, on the other hand, is set by a screener on a defender who is not directly guarding the ball. Off-ball screens can occur anywhere on the court, such as the top, low post, or corner, and are used to free up teammates for passes or shots. Some common types of off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen. For example, a back screen involves an off-ball player setting a screen behind a teammate's defender, allowing the offensive player to cut towards the basket for an open layup. A cross screen occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate, often resulting in a quick shot or layup opportunity.
To set an effective screen, players must pay attention to their position and timing. They should create separation between themselves and their defender, making it difficult for the defender to provide help on the dribbler or cutter. Additionally, proper footwork, non-verbal communication, and experience are key to the success of off-ball screens. When setting an off-ball screen, players should position their feet shoulder-width apart, straighten their back, and bend their knees slightly. They should also keep their elbows within their cylinder and place their hands across their chest, lap, or body.
Defensive tactics to overcome on-ball screens include going over or under the screen, drop coverage, ice defense, switching defenders, or using trap defense. The screener's defender can also communicate with the on-ball defender by calling out cues like "Drop", "Ice", "Switch", or "Trap" to signal the appropriate defensive tactic.
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Calling out the screen: Drop, Ice, Switch, Trap
Calling out a screen is a fundamental skill in basketball, and there are several techniques to do so effectively. When an offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender, their teammate can call out "Left!" or "Right!" to alert them of the incoming screen. However, when the screener starts behind the defender, simply calling out a direction may not be sufficient. In such cases, the teammate can use more advanced techniques such as "Drop", "Ice", "Switch", or "Trap" to communicate the appropriate defensive tactic.
Drop
The 'Drop' call is a defensive technique used in response to on-ball screens. When the defender guarding the ball goes under the screener, it prevents them from rolling and limits the effectiveness of the on-ball screen. This is a preferred strategy of defensive expert Nick LoGalbo, who employs it to help his teams compete and beat more talented opponents.
Ice
The 'Ice' call is used to keep play to one side of the floor. Teams have been "Icing" (or "downing") sideline ball screens for years. This tactic is often used when facing a player who is not adept at pulling up off the bounce to shoot from three.
Switch
The 'Switch' call is used when the defender switches with another defender, who can then pick up the cutter on the opposite side of the screen. This is a great option when dealing with screens involving similarly sized players, such as guard-to-guard or big-to-big switches. However, it is important to note that issues can arise when the switching defender is not quick enough or is caught off-guard.
Trap
The 'Trap' call involves utilizing trap defense to limit the effectiveness of the on-ball screen. This can lead to various offensive responses, such as triangle spacing, passing to the middle, or short rolls, among other tactics.
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Illegal screens: moving, holding, leaning or extending elbows
When setting a screen, the offensive player must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender and allow the defensive player a "reasonable opportunity" to avoid the screen. If the screener moves to make contact and gain an advantage, this is deemed an offensive foul.
A screener must not make contact with a defender by extending their elbows, forearms, legs, feet, or hips to obstruct the defender's movement. This is the case even if the screener initially established a legal screening position. If a screener does not remain within their own cylinder and uses parts of their body to make contact with a defender, this is considered an illegal screen.
To set a legal screen, a player must stand upright and not extend any part of their body outward. They must leave enough space between them and the defender to allow the defender the opportunity to avoid contact. Players should stand with their arms tucked in and legs planted under their shoulders.
A leaning screen occurs when the screener leans their body over to try to block more of the defender's body. A moving screen occurs when a screener is still running to get into position or moves to a different side than the defender's direction, resulting in the defender bumping into them.
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Frequently asked questions
A screen is a fundamental skill and action in basketball, where an offensive player blocks or delays a defender to create space and separation for a teammate. This tactic opens up scoring and passing opportunities for the team.
There are two main types of screens: on-ball screens and off-ball screens. On-ball screens, also known as picks or ball screens, are set on defenders guarding the ball. Off-ball screens are set on defenders not directly guarding the ball.
Communication is key when calling a screen. Teammates can alert the ball handler of an upcoming screen by calling out “pick”, “left”, or “right”. The screener's defender might also communicate with the on-ball defender by shouting “drop”, “ice”, “switch”, or “trap” to signal a defensive tactic.
Common off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and stagger screen. These screens can create scoring opportunities for players near the basket or open up jump shot chances.
To set an effective screen, players should position their feet shoulder-width apart, straighten their back, and bend their knees slightly. The screener must remain stationary and vertical during contact with the defender to avoid an offensive foul.
